BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Withdraws from Obamacare in 3 Major Cities

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF/AP) BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will withdraw from the Affordable Care Act marketplace in the Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis regions, but remain in Chattanooga and several rural zones.

The move sends 131,000 Tennesseans scrambling to find new health plans, and comes a month after state officials approved an average rate increase of 62-percent for the insurer.

The Chattanooga-based insurer was the only company selling statewide.

The change will not affect seniors with Medicare Advantage plans, those enrolled in BlueCare or anyone who has insurance through an employer.

 Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker released statements decrying the Affordable Care Act.